TAILED AMPHIBIANS 



263 



lungs, and the conversion of the swimming-tail into an organ of support, 

 the young salamander leaves the water for the dry land. 



Other Tailed Amphibians. 



The little Smooth Newt (Triton vulgaris ; see illus- 

 tration below) is to be found during the spring months 

 in almost every pool. It is about 3 inches long, and of 

 lizard-like shape. During the spawning season it sports 

 a so-called " courting " or " wedding " dress. (Compare 

 with birds ; see p. 148.) The back and sides are olive- 



2. 



SMOOTH AND GUESTED NEWTS. (Natural size. ) 

 Smooth Newt. M., male ; W., female ; 1, eggs within rolled-up leaves ; 2, older eggs con- 

 taining partially-developed larvae ; 3-7, successive developmental stages. Crested Newt. 

 K., male. 



green or brown, with spots of a darker colour (corresponding to the colour 

 of the bottom of the pond, etc.) ; the under side is lighter coloured, with 

 longitudinal orange- coloured stripes. The male at this season is easily 

 recognised by its broad dorsal crest, which extends uninterruptedly from 



